Master of Public Health in Infectious Disease Pathogenesis, Eradication, and Laboratory Practice

The MPH with a concentration in Infectious Disease Pathogenesis, Eradication, and Laboratory Practice (PEL) enables students a unique educational experience, which brings together pathogen biology, immunology, and epidemiology within the broader framework of public health. Students then have the opportunity to apply what they learn in a laboratory setting. Students graduate from the MPH PEL program with the expertise necessary for occupations in public health education, analysis, and research in the non-profit, government, or private sectors. The program also prepares students for further education in medical or graduate programs.

Accelerated Schedule Option

The MPH-PEL program is compatible with an accelerated schedule where full-time students have the opportunity to finish in three (3) semesters (fall, spring, fall), which saves up to $20,000! For more information on the accelerated schedule, please email idm@pitt.edu. Please note this is exclusive to the degree program, and any additional certificate interests may require the full 2 years to graduation.

Financial Aid Opportunities

IDM will provide $1,000 - $3,000 in first semester financial aid to the first 50% of accepted applicants that accept our offer and matriculate. Additional financial support for travel to conferences and global MPH practicum sites are also available. For additional information, please visit our Financial Aid page.

Exciting Practicum Opportunities

As an IDM MPH-PEL student, you will have the opportunity to gain public health experience through a practicum that matches your interests within infectious diseases, and exposes you to a variety of real-world settings. This experience could be in Pittsburgh, your hometown, or any other site you and your advisor can identify to match your professional and career goals. Interested in global health? Gaining public health experience in a developing nation is also possible with the help of your faculty advisor and the resources available at Pitt Public Health. Students conduct research/practice at hospitals, research centers, state and local health departments, or non-profit organizations, and gain new perspectives, explore new areas of interest, and have the opportunity to apply the skills and expertise their coursework has provided to a variety of public health challenges.

Practicum Examples

Allegheny County Health Department, Emergency Preparedness & Response

UPMC, Infection Control

India, Project on virulence of TB infection in association with HIV infection

Allegheny County Health Department, STD/HIV

Research Experience Opportunities

MPH-PEL students often combine a clear interest in public health with a strong background in biological sciences. Within our program, you do not have to sacrifice one for the other. In addition to your practicum work, you will have the opportunity to participate in many of our faculty’s research projects, gaining valuable lab experience, course credits, and contributing to cutting-edge research in the biology of infectious diseases! You can also write and defend a Masters thesis, showing future employers, medical schools, or doctoral programs your ability to conduct focused research at a high level.